Chinese word

着手

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhuó shǒu

Meaning

  • verbstart

Example

这个文件我还没着手过。zhè ge wén jiàn wǒ hái méi zhuó shǒu guò

I haven't started working on this document yet.

Illustration for 着手 (start)

More examples

我们已经着手处理客户的投诉了。wǒ men yǐ jīng zhuó shǒu chú lǐ kè hù de tóu sù le

We have already started handling the customer's complaint.

Core concept

Hands reach the work and the first real action begins.

Common phrases

  • 着手处理zhuó shǒu chú lǐ

    start handling

  • 着手研究zhuó shǒu yán jiū

    start researching

  • 着手准备zhuó shǒu zhǔn bèi

    start preparing

Similar words

开始kāi shǐ: Mark the point when an activity or event starts.
动手dòng shǒu: Begin a task by taking direct physical action.
实施shí shī: Carry out a planned action or an approved decision.

Definition in Chinese

开始做某事，着手处理或进行某项工作。kāi shǐ zuò mǒu shì zhuó shǒu chú lǐ huò jìn xíng mǒu xiàng gōng zuò

Word origin

着 (zhuó, "touch") + 手 (shǒu, "hand") forms a compound that pictures hands coming into contact with a task, giving it the sense of beginning work.

Usage tips

  • This verb fits project plans, reports, and workplace discussions especially well, so it often gives ordinary conversation a more formal tone.

Other meanings

  • undertakeverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word